Ascites

What is ascites?

Ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in spaces within your abdomen. If severe, ascites may be painful. The problem may keep you from moving around comfortably. Ascites can set the stage for an infection in your abdomen. Fluid may also move into your chest and surround your lungs. This makes it hard to breathe.

What causes ascites?

The most common cause of ascites is cirrhosis of the liver. Drinking too much alcohol is one of the most common causes of cirrhosis of the liver.

Different types of cancer can also cause this condition. Ascites caused by cancer most often occur with advanced or recurrent cancer.

Ascites may also be caused by other problems such as heart conditions, dialysis, low protein levels, and infection.

What are the symptoms of ascites?

These are symptoms of ascites:

Swelling in the abdomen

Weight gain

Sense of fullness

Bloating

Sense of heaviness

Nausea or indigestion

Vomiting

Swelling in the lower legs

Shortness of breath

Hemorrhoids

How is ascites diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. You may also have tests such as:

Fluid sample. A sample of fluid from your abdomen may be taken using a needle. This fluid will be checked for signs of disease, such as cancer or an infection. This test may help point to the cause of the ascites.

Imaging. Your healthcare provider may request images of the inside of your abdomen using ultrasound, MRI, or a CT scan. An MRI creates images using a magnetic field and radiofrequency energy. A CT scan creates computerized images using X-rays.

How is ascites treated?

A number of steps may help ease your ascites. Your healthcare provider may tell you to:

Cut back on your salt intake. Your healthcare provider or a dietitian can show you how to follow a low-sodium diet. Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium. This is because some medicines used in treating ascites can cause your potassium levels to rise.

Cut back on the amount of fluids you drink.

Stop drinking alcohol.

Take diuretic medicines to help reduce the fluid in your body.

In certain cases, your doctor may need to remove large amounts of fluid from your abdomen through a needle. This may be done if you have trouble breathing or the diuretic is not working.

In very complicated situations, you may need to have a special procedure in radiology called TIPS. In this procedure, a connection is made inside the liver between the blood vessels to ease the high pressure causing ascites.

What are the complications of ascites?

Ascites can make eating, drinking, and moving around difficult. It can also make it hard to breathe. Ascites can lead to abdominal infections, which may cause kidney failure. It can also cause umbilical or inguinal hernias.

Can ascites be prevented?

Certain steps to help you avoid cirrhosis of the liver and cancer can prevent ascites. These include:

Stop drinking alcohol.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise regularly.

Stop smoking.

Limit salt in your diet.

Practice safe sex to decrease your chance of getting hepatitis.

Do not use recreational drugs to decrease your chance of getting hepatitis.

Living with ascites

Be sure to follow your healthcare provider's advice for lowering your salt intake. You'll need to do this even if you're taking diuretic drugs to reduce fluid in your body. Also, weigh yourself daily and call your healthcare provider if you gain too much weight.

Key points

Ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in spaces within your abdomen.

As fluid collects in the abdomen, it can affect your lungs, kidneys, and other organs.